Najmul Hossain Shanto bats for Tamim Iqbal’s all-format return

Tamim Iqbal. (Photo Source: Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto recently spoke up, urging for Tamim Iqbal’s return to the national team across all formats, if he’s fit. Shanto, after a Dhaka Premier League clash between Abahani Limited and Prime Bank Cricket Club, had a chat with Tamim, who’s been absent from the squad lately.

They initially talked indoors but moved outside to avoid the media glare. Shanto’s call for Tamim’s inclusion comes as a welcome development in Bangladesh cricket. The move emphasised the team’s need to constantly look out for an experienced batter’s presence. As the T20 World Cup 2024 beckons and injuries plague the Bangladesh team, Shanto’s move is an anticipated one.

“I had a nice, long adda [chat] with Tamim bhai. We generally spoke about cricket. I asked about his well-being. We spoke about how we think about captaincy. He has asked for a bit of time. He will think it over. We are in the middle of the Dhaka Premier League, so once the tournament is over, there will be more clarity. I can’t really tell you exactly what’s going on, since it is now a matter of biding our time,” said Shanto as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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“[Tamim] retired from T20Is but if he is fit, I want him available for all formats. I think everyone in this country wants that. This is what I want but before everything, we have to see what he wants. Then the rest of the process. I spoke to him about what I want as a captain,” he added.

Tamim battling two minds after tussle with BCB

Tamim Iqbal’s international career has been uncertain since he disagreed with the BCB before the 2023 ODI World Cup. He retired briefly on July 6 last year but withdrew the decision the next day following the prime minister’s intervention. He stepped down as ODI captain in August, adding to the doubtfulness surrounding his future in cricket.